A mathematical model for identifying military training flights

Abstract

The main tasks of the Training Air Base concern the practical training of cadets in piloting techniques as well as maintaining and improving the piloting skills of the instructors. It is essential to maintain the infrastructure of the airfield and the Base as a whole ready for operation. This allows for fulfilling the fundamental mission of such military units, which is to provide effective operations for the defence of the state. Therefore, measures to support and improve the operation of such military facilities are extremely important and also became the genesis of this article. It analyses and evaluates the number of flights carried out over seven years (2016–2022) at the studied training base using mathematical modelling, allowing to assess the variability of the studied series. The phase trends method was used for this purpose, preceded by a seasonality study. It allowed the identification of periods in which the number of flights performed varies significantly. Such knowledge enables better regulation of the airport’s operation, adjustment of activities to the needs, and the determination of further directions for airport development and the justification of potential investments. An additional value of the article is the presentation of a mathematical modelling method specifically designed for seasonal time series, along with their diagnostics. It also provides an opportunity for other institutions to carry out tasks while upholding the highest standards.

Keywords

• military training flights
• seasonality
• phase trends method
• cadet training
• military airport